Support Rose After Joe's Unexpected Passing

UPDATE: A memorial service will be held for Joe on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Schimunek Funeral Home located at 610 W. MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD 21014. The gathering will begin at 4:00 pm followed by the service from 5:00-5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served following the service.

UPDATE: First and foremost, I am in awe of everyone's generosity and appreciate each of you for your donations. Rose viewed the page this morning and texted me asking to express her gratitude and appreciation and to thank you for your unwavering support. I plan to send the transfer link to her on Wednesday so she can transfer the funds to her account. Her hope is to have Joe's memorial some time during the week of October 21 and will update the Baltimore office, and Philly, once the date is confirmed. The Ballard family has always been supportive of their own and this is no exception. We truly are a winning team.

Honoring Joe.....and giving back. After the disbelief and shock of Joe's unexpected passing, I have been asked by various colleagues about offering our support to Joe's family. At first I wasn't really sure what that would look like. I do know that, although perhaps for some only work-related, Joe was always so willing and able to help others.....and now it's our turn to help by giving back to his family.

Joe touched the lives of many....a good friend, a colleague, a buddy. He was a fun (yet serious when he needed to be), hard-working (but knew when to relax), high-energy, positive person. When I, along with others, learned of Joe's death, the emotions flooded; sadness, anger, shock, upset. The feelings we felt were multiplied ten-fold for Joe's wife, Rose, who shared twenty-five years with her best friend, partner, confidant, and biggest supporter. Having to navigate this unfamiliar road alone can become overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. This is where we can make a difference, where we can choose to relieve some of the financial burden bestowed upon Rose.

The funds we raise will help defray the costs of the cremation and memorial service for Joe's family and for them to have a casting ceremony in the place he treasured most, the Outer Banks. If you are able, please consider a donation. No amount is too small.

Fly with the wind, my friend.....and rest in eternal peace.